How Presidential Candidates Are Reacting to San Bernardino, and Where They Really Stand on Guns

After another day of horror in America, our political leaders once again feel the need to make their voices heard. In the wake of the mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California—the 351st mass shooting of 2015, on the 336th day of the year—2016 presidential candidates (and many other politicians) have offered their condolences.

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Thoughts and prayers alone will not prevent another tragedy. So what are they actually doing about it?

Here are some of the candidates' reactions to today's tragedy, and some information about where they really stand on the issue of gun control.

Hillary Clinton

Where she stands: In the past, has advocated for a national gun registry, but backed off the position in 2008. As a senator, voted to close the gun-show loophole and to reinstate the assault weapons ban, and voted against legal immunity for gun dealers and manufacturers. Campaign website backs comprehensive background checks, closing the "Charleston loophole," and tightening the gun show and Internet loopholes.

Donald Trump

California shooting looks very bad. Good luck to law enforcement and God bless. This is when our police are so appreciated!

Where he stands:Backed an assault weapons ban, waiting periods and background checks in 2000. 2016 website dismisses various initiatives as futile, including bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and an expansion of the federal background check system. Moreover, that page advocates national concealed carry permits, and offers that "fixing the broken mental health system" is the best means of preventing mass murder.

Mike Huckabee

Where he stands:Said in 1998 that "Guns don't increase national rates of crime and violence—but the continued proliferation of gun control laws almost certainly does." His 2016 campaign platform is as follows: "Defend the 2nd Amendment; Oppose new gun control laws; Protect the rights of gun owners from Big Government; Oppose new gun restrictions, registrations, regulations & mandates."

Kind of repetitive, but at least he's consistent.

Martin O'Malley

Horrifying news out of #SanBernardino. Enough is enough: it's time to stand up to the @NRA and enact meaningful gun safety laws

Where he stands:has backed restrictions on the right to bear arms in the past, and "smart gun" technology to prevent unauthorized use more recently. His website details a goal of cutting American gun fatalities in half within 10 years, and touts his record as governor of Maryland:

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"He put in place licensing, fingerprinting, background checks, and safety training requirements for all buyers. If a firearm was lost or stolen, owners were required to immediately notify law enforcement. And Maryland prohibited the sale of assault weapons and limited the size of magazines—all while protecting the state's proud hunting tradition."

Jeb Bush

Praying for the victims, their families & the San Bernardino first responders in the wake of this tragic shooting.

Where he stands:Has emphasized his record as Florida governor, where he "enacted right-to-carry reciprocity" and where 1 million people got concealed carry permits during his tenure as governor. In the past, has been in favor of instant background checks and advocated for some of the harshest mandatory minimum policies for gun crimes.

Ted Cruz

Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in San Bernardino who willingly go into harm’s way to save others

Bernie Sanders

Where he stands: Voted against the Brady Bill, which established the federal background check system and restricted felons' access to guns. Since then, has advocated for assault weapons and extended magazine bans, but his campaign website indicates he thinks gun control should mostly be left to the states.

Rand Paul

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and brave first responders during this unspeakable tragedy.

Where he stands: Voted against a bill banning high-capacity magazines and for a number of largely symbolic measures reaffirming the 2nd Amendment. Campaign website makes his position fairly clear: "I will not support any proposed gun control law which would limit the right to gun ownership by those who are responsible, law-abiding citizens." (Emphasis his.)

Dr. Ben Carson

My thoughts and prayers are with the shooting victims and their families in San Bernardino.

Where he stands: Used to support a gun registry, but now opposes because "if you register them they just come and find you and take your guns." He continued, "I would never advocate anything to interfere with Second Amendment rights; however, We have to keep in mind that law-abiding American citizens absolutely should have gun rights."

You're not crazy, that sentence is. Basically he's against all the laws.

Chris Christie

Praying for all those victimized by the shootings in San Bernardino, California today.

Where he stands: Has tried to disown the dozen-plus gun control measures he signed as New Jersey governor. His website platform does not have a firearm plank.

Marco Rubio

Has so far offered no response to the shooting.

Where he stands: Voted against banning high-capacity magazines. Has said he believes "criminals and dangerous people should not have access to guns," and that "there are laws that protect those two things," but that "many of these [additional] gun laws are ineffective...I'm troubled this debate is about guns. It should be about violence. Violence is the problem, guns are what they're using. We are missing a golden opportunity to have an open, honest and serious conversation about these horrific violent acts."